Mary is twelve years old and has recently been sent from the orphanage for younger children to the one for older girls, where the caretaker immediately dislikes her. She is afraid of never getting adopted and aging out, ending up in a workhouse or worse. Mary decides to run away but is caught. The very next day, however, the mysterious Madame Z adopts Mary and whisks her off to a strange town full of magicians and soothsayers. In this new world, not all is as it seems. Are the illusionists using actual magic? Soon Mary learns Madame Z is not who she claims to be, and Mary must decide if this is her forever home or if she needs to run to save her life.
This was a really fun, quick listen. It has a very cottagecore feel to it and has a cozy happy ending for all. It was exactly what I wanted for an autumn read: mushroom hunts, stews, falling leaves, cozy fires...and magic! I think this would be a lovely book for mothers and daughters to read together. Mary is a strong female lead who is willing to make sacrifices for those she loves, and Madame Z shows realistic growth throughout the story. The supporting cast of characters as well as the touches of Russian folklore make it even more interesting.
The narrator, Laural Merlington, did a splendid job with the voices. Madame Z was appropriately exotic, and Mary was earnest and young. I would definitely look for other children’s chapter books narrated by her.
I wish there were another book in this series, so I could have a second peek into the life of Mary and Madame Z. I checked this book out using the Libby app, and you should too!
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